1990-1994
George H.W. Bush 1989-1993
George H. W. Bush was a Republican president of the United States from January 20, 1989 to January 20, 1993. He was the 41st president. During his presidency George H.W. Bush tried to direct the United States to become a "kinder and gentler nation."As president he faced many difficult times including the first Gulf War, that began on September 11, 1990.
Iraq led by Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, an oil-rich neighboring country. It was thought that Hussein would invade Saudi Arabia next. The United Nations set a deadline for Iraq to leave Kuwait by January 15, 1991. If Iraq did not withdraw then fighting would begin. On January 17,1991 the U.S. air units launched a series of attacks againt Iraq. This operation was called Desert Storm.
A major contribution made by President Bush was the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty in 1991. Soviet president Mikhail S. Gorbachev signed in July at their fourth summit conference. This marked the end of the long weapons buildup.
Bill Clinton 1993-2001
Bill Clinton came into office as president on January 20,1993 and left January 20,2001. Bill Clinton was a Democratic president and during his time in office the world continued its transition from the Cold War. Also the United States experienced its longest period of peace-time economic expansion in history. During his presidency the unemployment rate in modern times, the lowest inflation in thity years, and the highest home ownership in the country's history.
During Clintons' presidency he signed the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. This act required employers to allow their employees to take unpaid leave because of a pregnancy or serious medical conditions.
While this act was popular, Clintons attempt to allow openly gay and lesbian serving in the armed forces were subject to criticism. Some gay rights advocates criticized Clinton because they thought the president didn't go far enough and accused him of making his campaign promise just to get votes and contribution. These people felt that President Clinton should have intergrated the military by executive order .
In 1993, Clinton supported the North American Free Trade Agreement for ratification by the U.S. Senate. Clinton strongly supported free trade measures. Clinton signed many other bills but in 1998 he lied during grand jury testimony during the Paula Jones Civil Desposition.
Clinton was accused of a perjury charge and of obstruction charge. The final vote for the perjury charge was 55 acquit and 45 convit. The final vote for the obstruction charge was 50-50. Clinton finished serving the remainder of his term.
